Vladimir Tarasenko is a Russian professional ice hockey player who has made a name for himself in the National Hockey League (NHL). He was born on December 13, 1991, in Yaroslavl, Russia, and began playing hockey at a young age. Tarasenko's talent on the ice was evident from an early age, and he quickly rose through the ranks of Russian hockey.
Tarasenko began his professional career in Russia's Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) in 2008, playing for Sibir Novosibirsk. He quickly established himself as a top player in the league, and in 2010, he was drafted by the St. Louis Blues in the first round of the NHL Entry Draft.
Tarasenko made his NHL debut in 2012 and quickly became a fan favorite in St. Louis. He was known for his speed, skill, and scoring ability, and he quickly established himself as one of the top players in the league. In his first full season with the Blues, Tarasenko scored 37 goals and was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team.
Over the next several years, Tarasenko continued to be a dominant force in the NHL. He was named to the NHL All-Star Game three times and was a finalist for the Lady Byng Trophy in 2015. In the 2018-19 season, Tarasenko helped lead the Blues to their first-ever Stanley Cup championship, scoring 11 goals and 17 points in the playoffs.
Unfortunately, Tarasenko's career was plagued by injuries in his later years. He underwent multiple surgeries on his shoulder and missed significant time during the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons. Despite these setbacks, Tarasenko remained a key player for the Blues when he was healthy, and he continued to be a fan favorite in St. Louis.
In July 2021, Tarasenko requested a trade from the Blues, citing a lack of trust between himself and the team's management. He was eventually traded to the New York Rangers in July 2022, ending his nine-year tenure with the Blues.
Overall, Vladimir Tarasenko's hockey career was marked by his incredible skill and scoring ability, as well as his popularity among fans. Despite his injury setbacks in his later years, he remained a dominant force on the ice and helped lead the Blues to their first-ever Stanley Cup championship.
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